Tag Archives: Pollution

Dangerous reclaimed water for irrigation

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The chlorides in the treated water intended for irrigation in Sant Lluís double the maximum permitted levels. Over half of the water reaching the treatment plant may also contain other contaminants. Seven public supply wells could be affected if contamination occurs.

The GOB has submitted objections to the reclaimed water irrigation project that the Balearic Government’s Agriculture Department is promoting in Sant Lluís, warning of its lack of guarantees and the high contamination risks associated with it.

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Menorcan challenges on World Tourism Day

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An excessive number of vehicles, overcrowded spaces, water shortages, and increased energy pollution are all consequences of Menorca’s growing touristification. When combined with housing difficulties and a gradual drop in per capita income, it is clear that the island’s tourism model needs rethinking.

On World Tourism Day, the GOB reflects on the growing social unrest in many nearby tourist hotspots.

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The Cap d’en Font housing development, fined for illegal sewage discharge

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The presence of a pipe that had been discharging sewage onto the rocks at Cap d’en Font has resulted in a proposed fine of €150,000.

Last summer, GOB Menorca reported the illegal discharge of sewage from a house in Cap d’en Font, a residential area filled with large villas and lush green lawns but lacking a proper sewage system. The sewage had been flowing through a concealed pipe hidden among the vegetation, and eyewitnesses indicated that this had been an ongoing issue.

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The Central Electricity Power Station and Creative Headlines

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There are many ways to analyse data and news headlines. Sometimes, the data are analysed well, however, the headlines hardly do them justice. So it is with the Central Electricity Power station.

We have recently seen headlines announcing that the turbines of the Power Station have reduced their pollution by 83%, thanks to the injection of treated wastewater. Someone, who does not know the details of how the factory operates to generate energy for the island, would think that the whole of the Power Station has contributed to this air pollution reduction. This is not so. Continue reading The Central Electricity Power Station and Creative Headlines →

Wind direction multiplies pollutants in Mahon

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We have studied how the direction of the wind affects the measurements of the pollutants, and show that the winds from the north increase the concentrations of oxides of sulphur and nitrogen by 4 to 8 times. When the wind comes from the direction of the Central Electricity Power Station, these pollutants go as far as the town of Mahon. A change to the criterion of the production of electricity to that which prioritises the health of the public is urgently required. Continue reading Wind direction multiplies pollutants in Mahon →